Trump uses executive actions to advance controversial pipeline plans

ajc.com

Credit: Jamie Dupree

Credit: Jamie Dupree

In yet another reminder of the change in control of the White House, President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed off on plans to advance the construction of the long-delayed Keystone XL oil pipeline, as well as the controversial Dakota Access pipeline.

"We'll see if we can get that pipeline built," the President said about the Keystone XL oil pipeline.

"A lot of jobs, 28,000 jobs - great construction jobs," Mr. Trump added as he signed his executive action.

Republicans in Congress were thrilled with the announcements, especially after watching the Keystone project grind to a halt in recent years due to the opposition of the Obama Administration.

"Thanks to President Trump's executive order, the Keystone pipeline and the Dakota Access pipeline can finally be built," said Speaker Paul Ryan.

"It's about time."

"We have been pushing hard for this in Congress for years," said Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX).

Democrats registered their immediate disapproval, saying the pipelines ignore the threats of climate change by focusing on fossil fuels.

" I will do everything I can to stop Keystone XL and DAPL," said Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT).

Mr. Trump also signed an executive order which he said would streamline environmental reviews related to infrastructure projects, as he said red tape was getting in the way of needed domestic improvements.

Here are the links to the four executive actions issued today by the President: